Dr. Scott Filler_Specific Aims_2024.pptx

Dr. Scott Filler: How to Write the “Specific Aims” Section of a Grant Application.

1. Key points about specific aims page Will determine most of the reviewer’s score Should convey your excitement Should make the reviewer want to read more Make sure that it tells a coherent story

2. Typical layout 1-2 paragraphs of background Importance of topic/overall goal Prior research, especially your own Gaps in current knowledge Overall hypothesis Specific aims in bullet points Importance and impact of knowledge to be gained

3. Key points about specific aims page Must be easily understood Tell a clear story in a narrative fashion Avoid jargon and abbreviations Use simple declarative sentences Should provide a clear description of what you hope to do and what key knowledge gaps will be filled

4. Things to avoid Jargon and abbreviations Dense, hard to understand writing Potential pitfalls of the proposed research Criticisms of others’ work One aim that depends on another

5. Things to do Make sure that the research will address your hypothesis Construct the narrative so that it tells a brief, easily understandable story Have people outside your field read your specific aims page